A CHILDHOOD dream will be realised when Chris Sims holds his own one-man show at Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

Salford and Beyond, which opens on Saturday , September 18 is a personal exhibition of paintings capturing the spirit of the city Sims grew up in, as well as other places that he treasures.

While still a child in the 1930s, he discovered he had a talent for drawing and ever since has cherished the hope of having his own solo exhibition in his local art gallery.

He said: éI always wanted to be a great painter. Ités the most important thing now in my life. I will paint till I die. I want to produce, and I donét want to produce en masse. I want to produce stuff that at the time is as good as I can doéand that people will look atéand admire if you like, that is what I want to do.é

Sims attended school with a whoés who of famous Salford names: Harold Riley, Albert Finney and Alex Langsam, owner of the Adelphi Hotel chain.

The exhibition features more than 20 original paintings as well as a listening station where visitors can hear his recollections of his childhood, influences and insights into his work.

Simsé work also incorporates photographic montages, paint and print techniques to convey his unique perspective on Salford.

All pieces are available to purchase from the exhibition. Salford and Beyond opens on Saturday, September 18 and runs until Sunday, November 14.